Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work well and are secure. When used in the right way, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is generally recommended to choose stimulants that have an effect that lasts for a long time. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are often a doctor's first choice of medication to treat ADHD. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs are able to assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when stimulants that work in a short-acting way wear off. The kind of medication that one takes is based on his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal for people many different medications before you can find one that works.
A doctor will also take into consideration the history of the family member as well as medical history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication when a patient has an history of substance abuse or heart disease. They don't have as much abuse potential as stimulants but they are slower to work and don't reduce the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications can interact with others and you should inform your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to help people with ADHD especially if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely combined with stimulants since they carry a high risk for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can instruct you on coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can assist in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist you in understanding why you have trouble at work and school and teach you skills to deal with those challenges. Adults suffering from ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. But they're not the only option. Certain people may prefer non-stimulant medications It's essential to consult your physician to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They're also often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Highly recommended Reading of these medications can increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine and improve the ability to focus. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants, and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medicine has a slight calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique and so are the medications they take. The first medication that you or your children are trying may not work, and the medication that does work for you or your child could cause unfavorable adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD but they may not be the ideal choice for all. Antidepressants are a great option for those who are unable to handle the negative any of the side effects associated with stimulants or who don't feel that the medication is effective for them.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmittersdopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also help treat anxiety and depression. Your doctor may prescribe it when you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with long-acting effects, raises the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This improves concentration and focus and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially useful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a tool that some people with ADHD employ to manage their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter your thinking and act. This type of therapy is usually done by an therapist. You can also try diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In most instances, combining medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance and their social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to concentrate and calm down, as well as manage impulsive behaviours.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure can take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood, and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the drugs are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can help control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known by its brand names such as Wellbutrin and Zyban. It is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It has also been shown to reduce agitation and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, however they don't work for everyone. Some adults have to try several medications before finding the one that works best for them. They aren't an effective treatment for ADHD Therefore, one needs to continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medications used to manage ADHD can improve a person’s ability to focus, manage impulses and complete tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms, and they frequently cause adverse effects that must be addressed. Some of these side-effects may be mild, while others could be very serious. A lot of these medications can cause loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If these side effects are severe, a doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication, or even try an alternative.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine or atomoxetine are used to treat certain types of ADHD. These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather increase the amount of norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in enhancing attention than stimulants, but they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medications that has been shown to be effective in people with ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People with ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist to build skills that can assist in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for those with ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can offer strategies for coping.